BIRMINGHAM, Alabama--Birmingham Councilman Marcus Lundy saw a lot of pork when he analyzed the city's $393.16 million budget. But it was not the kind normally associated with excessive spending for political favor.

Lundy, at the final work session before Tuesday's vote to approve the budget, said that the document was imperfect, but was like making caviar out of pig feet, hog maws and chitterlings.

"Out of pain we've created some great innovations," he said, referencing how struggling people took what was considered the less desirable meat parts and made them edible. "We've created some great opportunities."

Lundy said city leaders need to rethink the budgeting process and called this year's budget exercise a good start.

"Cost cutting, process improvement, making sure we are putting our best foot forward as a city," Lundy said. "These cuts hurt. They hurt us all. We're used to taking scraps and making the most out of it."

Since taking office in October, Lundy has quickly gained a reputation for using colorful, down-home illustrations when describing his position and making presentations.